The fashion photography genre is full of tips and tricks to make your images stand out and the viewer take notice. For those who have intentions of creating fashion photographs, there are some simple but essential points to remember. We discussed 5 fashion photo tips in a previous article and here are five more to help get you going.

1. Use make-up and lighting to enhance the effect you want to project – if you seek a more natural look, choose light pastel tones, not too heavy make-up and hair that will softly frame the face. For a provocative or seductive look, use dark, heavy make-up and an over styled hairdo. Unique looking models convey personality and curiosity to the shot while female models with symmetrical features, huge almond shaped eyes, full lips and tiny chins are considered to have a more commercial appeal.

2. A mirror can be a helpful prop – fashion shoots often make use of storytelling images to present the garments. The materials or props used in a shoot add depth in the portrayal of a character by the model and at the same time the telling of a narrative. A mirror is one of the simplest, yet most effective props you can use. It is a valuable instrument to show your model’s full profile and can inadvertently be used to tell a story. Try to position your lighting equipment, yourself and anything that may get in the way of shooting, from being reflected by the mirror.

3. Focus on the fashion – since fashion photography is all about clothes and aesthetics, make sure that all the elements in your scene support and complement the garment; from the model to the props to the background. The most elaborate setup can be used but remember that the fashion pieces should be the point of focus. Although garments are usually presented in a neat and immaculate fashion, they can also be shown in a less common way such as wet, dirty or crumpled. Whatever way you choose to depict it, the result should still be the same, which is that the garment is the main attraction.

4. Use available space – renting a professional studio and extra equipment might not be within your budget. You can make use of the available space you have in your home. Use a corner in a spare room that has windows that let in a lot of light and hang a white sheet across the window. This would create a soft box effect on a sunny day. This is excellent for creating even lighting.

5. Get an assistant – fashion photography is work that can be done solo but it would be easier if you had an assistant. More often than not, photographers will always need help in moving the equipment around such as umbrella stands, or to reset lighting equipment, or to arrange the clothing on the model and later on pack up the scene. Photography students, a friend or a family member might be glad to help you out.

The objective of fashion photography is to present clothing and fashion accessories in an enticing way to gain the interest of the potential buyer. These images are mostly used for advertising and fashion magazines and the setup styles vary from studio shots to exotic location shoots. Here is a compilation of useful tips to help you gain a foothold in the genre of fashion photography:

1. Explore what camera angles will work best to show off the garment or accessories – try moving around the scene instead of just staying in front of the model with the camera at eye level. A low camera viewpoint with an upward angle can have a different impression compared to a shot taken from a high angle. This may call for crawling on the floor, stepping on a stool, moving closer to your subject or working at slanted angles to achieve a certain effect. Ponder on what the intent of the piece is and emphasize it with the use of perspective.

2. Be in control of the photo shoot – fashion images give the impression of authority and confidence and to show this, you must have a firm grasp of what you want from the models so you can direct them with confidence. Signs of stress and hesitation from you can negatively affect the models’ performance. Keep them comfortable and assured that you are a capable photographer. When preparing for a shoot, organize a list of what you want to shoot beforehand and practice the compositions that you have envisioned. Plan the materials and clothing needed for the shoot, make sure the location is ready for you to use, and make sure you advise your assistant and models of what you want to achieve in terms of poses in a manner that would make everyone involved aware of the direction you want to take.

3. Use lighting to enhance visual impact- lighting is essential in properly presenting the garment. You can go for straightforward, well lit scenes that show each and every detail of the fabric and cut and you can also use lighting creatively to create drama or mood. You will have more control with studio lights but ambient lighting (such as sunlight) in a location shoot can also be effectively used to illuminate the scene.

4. Be familiar with model poses – be aware of the poses used in some of the more current issues of magazines to help keep you abreast of what’s relevant in the field. It may also inspire you to think of ideas you can use for your own work. Posing your models can be a difficult aspect to grasp and master but it’s always fun to experiment and try different poses. Body poses contorted in angles can add edginess to your image, not to mention emphasize the length of your model’s body.

5. Choose the ideal location – Studio shoots offer complete control since you can decide where everything should be positioned and how all it all comes together. On the other hand, location shoots can really add to the image such as by providing spectacular backgrounds or by including physical elements which the model can use to his or her advantage. For instance, if the garment is swimwear, you might prefer a location shoot at the nearby beach over a studio setup.